Note: This article does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before making any decisions regarding your health.
Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil citrate. It's a medication that helps men with erectile dysfunction to become aroused enough to have an erection long enough to be able to complete intercourse successfully. Erections are caused by nitric oxide (NO), which allows blood to flow into the penis when sexual arousal occurs. Without adequate blood flowing through your penile arteries, you can't get hard or stay hard -- even if you're already fully aroused.
You may not think about it every day, but your ability to become sexually aroused depends on being healthy. A good diet, plenty of exercise, and restful sleep are all important factors in keeping your sex drive at its peak.
If you smoke cigarettes, drink too much alcohol, or don't follow a sensible weight-loss plan, then you risk increasing the likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction.
And if you've been diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension, you should know that those conditions also increase the odds of getting impotence (ED).
So what exactly is erectile dysfunction, and how does Viagra help?
What causes Erectile Dysfunction?
With more than 200 million prescriptions written each year for erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra, it's no wonder so many people are confused about what actually constitutes this condition.
In fact, there are so many different types of ED problems out there that some experts believe there are as many possible causes of impotence as there are people who suffer from it.
The bottom line is that ED is defined as having difficulty becoming or maintaining an erection suitable for penetrative vaginal intercourse.
There are several main categories of ED symptoms, including:
- Inability to become aroused at all
- Arousal disorder where only one side of the equation works
- Premature ejaculation
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Failure to achieve orgasm within a required time after penetration
Some of these symptoms are more common in certain age groups, while others tend to affect both genders equally. But before we talk specifically about Viagra, let's first cover what happens physiologically during an erection.
During sexual stimulation, the nerves in the penis send messages to trigger muscles called smooth muscle fibres. These cause the arteries in the penis to relax, allowing increased blood to travel down into the shaft of the penis. This results in a firm erection.
Withdrawing the penis back inside the body causes the smooth muscle fibres to contract, narrowing the arteries again. Nitric oxide (NO) is produced naturally in order to keep things running smoothly.
When an individual becomes sexually excited, he releases endorphins, leading to a drop in blood pressure. This causes the release of NO, which creates a cycle of events that leads to full erection.
However, if something interrupts this process, such as injury, disease, or aging, then sexual responsiveness becomes difficult or impossible.
How does Viagra work?
When Viagra was introduced to the market in 1998, it quickly became popular among those suffering from ED. The drug is taken orally once daily, usually around half an hour before planned sexual activity.
Viagra stimulates the production of enzymes that cause the release of NO, thus helping to open up the arteries that lead to the corpora cavernosa chambers deep in the male genitals.
Once released, NO binds to specific receptors located in the cells of the corpus spongiosum and cavernosum tissue found in the walls of the two chambers.
By doing so, NO increases blood flow to the chambers, causing them to fill up with blood. As the blood fills the spaces between the cells, they stretch outwards, resulting in an erection.
Since Viagra acts on the physiology of an erection rather than directly targeting the problem itself, it has proven effective regardless of whether the person experiencing ED has other health issues.
For example, someone with an enlarged prostate gland that blocks the urethra might benefit just as well from taking Viagra as someone with erectile difficulties due to arterial blockages.
Because Viagra is meant to treat erectile problems related to physical obstruction of blood flow, it doesn't offer treatment for psychological factors, such as performance anxiety. People who experience severe levels of stress or depression shouldn't use the pill because their mental state could affect the effectiveness of Viagra.
If you're looking for a way to improve your overall health, Viagra isn't going to do anything for you. But it will help you feel better if you're struggling with ED and your doctor has recommended using Viagra.
Although Viagra won't cure ED, it can help you deal with the condition until you find a solution that suits your lifestyle.
Side Effects of Viagra
There aren't many negative side effects associated with Viagra. Most users report feeling drowsy after taking the pills, and some people may notice headaches.
Since Viagra contains citrate, however, it can interact badly with acidic foods and drinks. You should avoid grapefruit juice and vinegar while taking Viagra.
Also, make sure to eat food containing carbohydrates, since Viagra can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin K.
Because Viagra affects the blood vessels, it can potentially raise the risk of stroke, heart attack, or sudden death. Other potential side effects include nausea, flushing of the face, upset stomach, diarrhoea, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, rash, swelling of the hands or feet, facial swelling, mouth ulcers, changes in vision, etc.
Breast tenderness in women, irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, numbness, tingly sensations, changes in bowel movements, and ringing in the ears are also some of the side effects reported after consuming Viagra.
If you suspect that you're allergic to Viagra or any of its ingredients, see your physician immediately.
As mentioned earlier, Viagra shouldn't be used for purposes other than improving sexual performance. Someone with high blood pressure, liver disease, or kidney failure shouldn't take Viagra.
Those on dialysis therapy shouldn't take Viagra either, since the medication can slow down the functioning of the kidneys. Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take Viagra, and anyone younger than 16 years old shouldn't take Viagra either. Anyone over 65 should consult his doctor before trying Viagra.
Is it OK to take Viagra on a regular basis without any medical supervision?
While Viagra is considered safe to use by most physicians, there are some special precautions doctors recommend when prescribing the drug.
One concern is that Viagra can interact negatively with a number of prescription drugs, including beta-blockers, anti-arrhythmic agents, calcium channel blockers, insulin, MAO inhibitors, oral hypoglycemic agents, sedative-hypnotics, tranquillisers, terfenadine, and thioridazine.
Patients should inform their doctors about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines they may be taking, especially if they contain substances similar to the ones listed above.
In addition, patients should refrain from drinking alcohol while taking Viagra, as it can negate the effects of the drug.
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can also damage the lining of the digestive system, making it harder for Viagra to absorb. Finally, Viagra must never be consumed alongside recreational drugs like marijuana or cocaine.
Taking Viagra regularly is generally harmless, but you'll want to check with your doctor to make sure that it's right for you.
